Vixen TV: Elena Delle Donne Discusses Her Future in the WNBA

Vixen

No matter how much Elena Delle Donne tried to prep for the moment her name was called at the WNBA draft Monday (Apr. 15), hearing her government was a nerve-wracking experience.

As soon as Chicago Sky plucked her as the second overall pick in the league, her heartbeat spazzed. “I really couldn’t re-eanact the pounding that my heart was doing,” the University of Delaware recruit tells Vixen. “I was waiting to see where I was gonna get picked too so [it was] kind of a proud moment.”

Delle Donne always set her sights on major league status since balling at a young age. This past season, she helped the Blue Hens make an appearance in the NCAA Sweet 16 tournament. The team posted a 32-4 overall record.

The No. 13-wearing basketballer, who has averaged 27.5 points a game, credits her ability to switch up on the hardwood to her success and believes that trait will catapult her career.

“I plan to be myself and do all the things I did in college,” says Delle Donne, who led the WNBA draft class alongside college favorites Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins. “The versatility of my game is something that I want to continue throughout my professional career. I wanna be able to do all the positions on the floor.”

For aspiring female shooters, Delle Donne says to follow your heart, even when it’s not easy. She should know. The 6’5” blonde beauty left the powerhouse team of University of Connecticut two days into her freshman year to head back home to Delaware.

“When I made a decision to not go to [the University of] Connecticut, it was very tough but I was true to myself,” she explains. “It really did make me stronger and that’s really my message. Follow your heart, know what your passions are and if you’re passionate, you can do whatever you set your mind to.”